​52 Practice Tips

Weekly practicing advice or new practicing techniques to try at home.

​"If, as person works at playing the violin well, he develops the talent to overcome any difficult problem by working, then the talent will be born to accomplish even the hardest problems easily. As a person practices the violin, he creates this talent.-Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (Ability Development from Age Zero, p. 62)

First, copy your practice chart. Then, take the copy and cut each of the practice point boxes until they are separated. Next, place each of your practice points in a container (ie, bowl/hat). Now, choose one of the practice points out of your container without looking, complete and set aside until you have gone through all of your practice points; your practice chart will be completed before you know it!​Special Tip:A fun addition for your "practice container" are your review pieces-write them down on a piece of paper, cut them out and add!

HappyIndepend​enceDay!Our country is celebrating another anniversary, so why don't we? This week, celebrate how much you have accomplished with your instrument by doing something you love! When we take time to pat ourselves on the back and acknowledge the progress we've made, our desire to keep growing typically increases!

To have a successful practice time, you must prepare yourself physically before beginning. Playing a musical instrument takes lots of focus and energy! ​Before Practice "To Do" List:•Drink a glass of water•Eat a healthy snack•Change into comfortable clothing•Use the restroom•Create a plan for your practice time

Slice up practice time by logging some "free practicing" minutes; after you have practiced for awhile, put your instrument down, turn the Suzuki CD on, get out your Suzuki book and use your finger to follow along with the songs that you hear. Feel free to use "free practicing" breaks throughout your practice sessions as often as needed. ​Special Tip:"Free practicing" is best spent on songs that you are currently working on.

Bake a fun dessert (ie, brownie) and stick a birthday candle in it. Next, light the candle and begin your practice time. Once the candle melts down to the dessert, you can end your practce time, remove the wax, and enjoy your dessert! ​

Relaxation and stretching exercises can bring your practice time to a more focused and pain-free level! Relaxation techniques like yoga are terrific for preparing your mind to focus on any task; yogadownload.com is a great resource for finding a yoga routine that will work for you. For violin specific exercise descriptions and videos, check-out this article entitled, "Body Maintenance for Violinists."

Happy Summer! Do you like animals? This week, spice up your review pieces by playing them in the style of your favorite animal. Then, ask your home-teacher to guess which animal you are trying to convey.

52 Practice Tips

Weekly practicing advice or new practicing techniques to try at home.

​"If, as person works at playing the violin well, he develops the talent to overcome any difficult problem by working, then the talent will be born to accomplish even the hardest problems easily. As a person practices the violin, he creates this talent."- Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (Ability Development from Age Zero, p. 62)

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Meghan's professionalism and skill as a violinist and teacher are outstanding but even more than that, she has opened my daughter's eyes to the love of music. I would highly recommend Meghan as a violin teacher. Her love for music and for children are evident in every lesson. Her passion for violin is contagious and it has spread to my daughter. I am grateful for the time she spends each week with us. She has taught my daughter more than the fundamentals of violin-she's taught her about life and doing what you love to the fullest! She is a wonderful role model.